This UNESCO-listed city in Portugal's Alentejo region is known for its Roman temple, bone chapel, and cork production. Its black pottery adds to its cultural appeal.
Évora, located in Portugal's Alentejo region, is a city where history comes alive. Within its medieval walls, you'll find the Roman Temple, Gothic Évora Cathedral, and the eerie Chapel of Bones. The surrounding countryside reveals cork oak forests and the ancient Cromeleque dos Almendres stone circle. As you explore Évora's calm streets and savor its flavorful local cuisine, you'll immerse yourself in central Portugal's rich traditions.
Historic Center Streets
Walk through Évora's historic center, where narrow lanes and small squares are lined with white houses trimmed in yellow. Praça do Giraldo forms the main square, with cafes where you can sit and watch local life unfold. As you explore, you'll notice buildings decorated with colorful azulejo tiles, a characteristic feature of Portuguese architecture. The 16th-century University of Évora occupies several historic buildings throughout the city center.
Roman Temple and Ancient Ruins
At the heart of Évora stands the Roman Temple, its Corinthian columns dating back to the 1st century AD. While often called the Temple of Diana, historians believe it was likely dedicated to Emperor Augustus. Near the temple, you can explore remnants of Roman baths beneath the town hall. As you walk around the old town, you'll see how the city's medieval walls incorporate sections from Roman and Moorish times, revealing layers of history.
Cathedral and Chapel of Bones
Évora Cathedral dominates the city skyline with its thick walls and Gothic cloisters. Climb to the rooftop for a panoramic view across the red-tiled roofs and surrounding plains. At the Church of São Francisco, step into the Chapel of Bones. This 16th-century ossuary features walls and columns lined with thousands of human bones and skulls, created to encourage contemplation of life and death.
Local Food and Wine
Alentejo cuisine offers many traditional dishes. Try local specialties like açorda (bread soup with garlic and coriander) or porco preto (black pork) raised on acorns in the surrounding oak forests. The region produces many wines, especially full-bodied reds. Visit the Cartuxa Winery just outside town to taste wines made by monks since the 16th century.
Prehistoric Sites Nearby
The countryside around Évora contains significant prehistoric sites. About 15 km west of town, you'll find the Cromeleque dos Almendres, one of the largest and oldest stone circles in Europe. The 95 standing stones date back to around 5000 BC. Nearby stands the 6-meter-tall Menhir of Almendres, another impressive Neolithic monument.
How to Visit
Évora is about 130 km east of Lisbon, reachable in 1.5 hours by car or train. Summers are very hot, so spring and fall have more comfortable weather for walking around. You can see the main sights in a day trip, but staying overnight allows you to experience Évora's calm evening atmosphere and walk the lit streets after most day visitors have left.
